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Grade upto college level Electric Current

uniform disc of mass m and radius R is rolling up a rough inclined plane which makes an angle of 300 with horizontal. If the coefficients of static and kinetic friction are each equal to and the only forces acting are gravitational and frictional, then the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the disc is ???. and its direction is ???. (write up or down) the inclined plane.

Profile image of Kevin Nash
12 Years agoGrade upto college level
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Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To determine the frictional force acting on a uniform disc rolling up a rough inclined plane, we need to analyze the forces involved and apply some principles of physics. Let's break this down step by step.

Understanding the Forces at Play

When the disc rolls up the incline, two primary forces are acting on it: gravitational force and frictional force. The gravitational force can be resolved into two components: one acting parallel to the incline and the other acting perpendicular to it.

Components of Gravitational Force

The weight of the disc (mg) can be resolved as follows:

  • Perpendicular to the incline: mg cos(θ)
  • Parallel to the incline: mg sin(θ)

Given that the angle θ is 30 degrees, we can substitute this into our equations:

  • mg cos(30°) = mg (√3/2)
  • mg sin(30°) = mg (1/2)

Frictional Force Analysis

As the disc rolls up the incline, it experiences a tendency to slide back down due to the gravitational component acting parallel to the incline. The frictional force acts to oppose this motion. Since the disc is rolling without slipping, we need to consider static friction.

Calculating the Frictional Force

For the disc to roll up the incline, the frictional force must be sufficient to prevent slipping. The maximum static frictional force can be calculated using:

f_s ≤ μ_s N

Where:

  • μ_s is the coefficient of static friction
  • N is the normal force, which equals mg cos(30°)

Now, substituting the normal force:

f_s ≤ μ_s (mg cos(30°))

Direction of the Frictional Force

Since the gravitational force component acting parallel to the incline is directed downwards (mg sin(30°)), the frictional force must act upwards along the incline to oppose this motion. Therefore, the direction of the frictional force is up the inclined plane.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the disc is determined by the static friction condition, and its direction is up the inclined plane. The exact value of the frictional force would depend on the specific values of the mass, radius, and the coefficient of static friction, which you would need to provide for a numerical answer. However, conceptually, we can conclude that:

  • Magnitude: Dependent on μ_s and N
  • Direction: Up the inclined plane